The Brahmaputra River, one of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent, follows a complex and varied course, flowing through China (Tibet), India, and Bangladesh before merging into the Bay of Bengal. Below is a breakdown of its course:
A. Source (Tibet, China)
- The Brahmaputra originates from the Chemayungdung Glacier in the Tibetan Plateau, in southwestern Tibet. Known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the river flows eastward for about 1,625 km through the Tibetan Plateau at an average altitude of about 4,500 meters.
- In Tibet, it flows parallel to the Himalayas, passing through flat terrain and arid regions, collecting waters from tributaries like the Raga Tsangpo and Lhasa River.
B. Entering India (Arunachal Pradesh)
- It enters India at Kepang La Pass in Arunachal Pradesh, where it is known as the Siang or Dihang River. As it flows through the Eastern Himalayas, it picks up speed and volume due to heavy rainfall and melting snow.
- The river takes a sharp U-turn at the easternmost point of Tibet near the Namcha Barwa peak and plunges through the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, one of the world’s deepest gorges.
C. Assam Plains
- After entering Assam at Sadiya, the river is called the Brahmaputra. Here, it becomes a broad, braided river, with a wide floodplain that supports rich biodiversity and agriculture.
- The Brahmaputra flows for about 700 km through Assam, where it receives significant tributaries such as the Subansiri, Manas, Lohit, and Dibang rivers. The river’s width increases, and it is prone to flooding, especially during the monsoon.
- Majuli, the largest river island in the world, is located in the Brahmaputra in Assam.
D. Bangladesh (Jamuna River)
- After crossing Assam, the Brahmaputra enters Bangladesh near Dhubri. Here, it is called the Jamuna River and merges with the Teesta River.
- The Jamuna continues to flow southward, splitting into numerous channels and distributaries as it enters the vast Ganges Delta.
E. Confluence with the Ganges and Meghna Rivers
- In central Bangladesh, the Jamuna merges with the Ganges River (locally known as the Padma). Further downstream, the combined flow meets the Meghna River near Chandpur.
- The confluence of these major rivers forms one of the largest delta systems in the world, known as the Sundarbans, which is famous for its mangrove forests and biodiversity.
F. Mouth (Bay of Bengal)
- The Brahmaputra, along with the Ganges and Meghna, empties into the Bay of Bengal through the Sundarbans Delta. This region forms an intricate network of rivers and channels before finally reaching the ocean.
Key Characteristics:
- Length: Approximately 2,900 km, making it one of the longest rivers in the world.
- Basin Size: The river has a drainage area of around 580,000 square kilometers, encompassing diverse ecosystems.
- Seasonal Variability: The river is highly prone to seasonal flooding due to heavy monsoon rains and glacial melt from the Himalayas.
The Brahmaputra’s journey is critical for millions of people, supporting agriculture, ecosystems, and livelihoods, but it also presents challenges such as floods and erosion.
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